How much do you normally give as a wedding gift when you attend as a guest? I thought $100 per person was normal but have been told that I am wrong and that it is more proper to give more due to the rising costs of weddings. Thoughts?
christy
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
It depends for us...we usually give between 250-300. I have given more though.
coxmandi
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
The concept of 'covering your plate' isn't universal. I live outside DC, and when talking of gifts that term isn't used at all. People give what they feel is appropriate.
chmpgnrose
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
I usually give the same amount what we receive to the same couple. Otherwise, we give $100.00 from our joint account as our monetary gift. I'm currently unemployed and my unemployment benefits will end this month (January 2005) and thus, on a budget.
To each their own.
leighdvm
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
I give between $200 and $300, depending on who it is and what I can afford.
Bride2005
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
I usually give $250 from the both of us... $300 if it's a good friend.
Preshy7
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
It depends on what type of wedding, etc. My friend got married in Vermont and there were 30 people so I gave $150 my other friend got married in Greenwich, Ct so i gave $300 - depends on the venue, etc.
However, I dont really think everyone can always afford to cover thier plate and at the end of the day, what is important is not the money we receive but the fact that those friends and family members were there to share my day.
FoxHollowbride0617
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
about 250 to 300
engd4evr
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
Posted by coxmandi
The concept of 'covering your plate' isn't universal. I live outside DC, and when talking of gifts that term isn't used at all. People give what they feel is appropriate.
Well said....if you go into the wedding thinking that everyone is going to 'cover their plate' you will most likely be disappointed. Some will give more, most will give less...its just the way it goes.
In our case, we have a lot of out of town friends and DH's family is scattered all over the country and we got a lot of gifts purchased off our registry instead of cash. In the end, you have to just be happy that these people thought enough of you to come and share in your celebration, the gifts are extra and are by no means expected to cover the cost of your wedding.
PerfectPair05
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
For me it depends on whose wedding it is. For my 2 best friends I gave $500 (for myself and FH) and I was in both bridal parties. For another friend (I was in her bridal party too) I have her $350 for the 2 of us. We haven't given less than $250.
PerfectPair05
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
Posted by engd4evr
Posted by coxmandi
The concept of 'covering your plate' isn't universal. I live outside DC, and when talking of gifts that term isn't used at all. People give what they feel is appropriate.
Well said....if you go into the wedding thinking that everyone is going to 'cover their plate' you will most likely be disappointed. Some will give more, most will give less...its just the way it goes.
In our case, we have a lot of out of town friends and DH's family is scattered all over the country and we got a lot of gifts purchased off our registry instead of cash. In the end, you have to just be happy that these people thought enough of you to come and share in your celebration, the gifts are extra and are by no means expected to cover the cost of your wedding.
I agree... a wedding is not a money making endevour... its a celebration of 2 lives joining. In our case we know we won't even cover half of what the wedding will cost us. Its not about that for us.
micmar
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
depends on who it is, but for someone you are not super close w/, I'd say $200 per couple is more than enough.
MCDO15
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
doesnt it depend on the reception somtimes? like if the reception was served with crackers and orange juice, i'm sure i woulnd't leave 300 dollars, no?
EvenEdan
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
We give at least 300. More if it is a close friend or family member.
NYtherapist
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
The amount we give has evolved over the years. Up until 5 years ago, we gave $200. Then we made the transition to $250. About a year ago, it became $300. The cost of a wedding is insane in NY/NJ and we know how much of a financial strain it puts on most couples. If you spend $250 a plate, good for you, but we're not giving you $500 because of it.
I was in a bridal party last year and gave $400. I would've liked to give more, but it was an out of state wedding (in Maryland) and there were costs that prohibited me from giving more (over $300 for hotel), engagement party in Buffalo, bridal shower in DC.
FH gave $800 when he was in weddings and just gave his brother $1000 (a week after he proposed).
Personally, I can't see giving less than $250-$300 and we've actually declined weddings when we knew we wouldn't be able to give that amount.
12-3Princess
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
For me, I give at least 200 from me and 200 from my fiance (and he pays when it's his friends' weddings. I give more if they are close friends or if it's a REALLY expensive wedding.
newbie
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
As some others, in the past I've given $200 as a couple going to the wedding ($100 if it was just me). Recently, that's become $250-$300. After seeing what some people gave us as a present, I really think I may reduce our gifts in the future to certain people.
Recently married individuals and their parents tended to give us gifts in the same range ($250-$300). However, for many, $200 a couple still seems to be the norm.
J.Lo24
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
Posted by christy
It depends for us...we usually give between 250-300. I have given more though.
Same for us!
1017Bride
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
It varies. I think nowadays per person $100 is the minimum. To me it depends on how close I am with the person and where the wedding is held.
rrdm782004
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
200
Shorty McBride
Posted:
Member since
Re: How much do you normally give as a wedding gift?
I haven't been to a wedding since 1993- and I was 11!
I've actually NEVER had to give a wedding gift. FH and I went to our first e-party together on Sunday - we gave $100 and a personalized engagement ornament.
